Free community wellness center coming to Pelham Bay aims to expand access to mental health
The center, currently under development, will emphasize holistic wellness and aims to make care more accessible across The Bronx.
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A new community wellness center is coming to Pelham Bay. It will be located at 1500 Waters Place.
Leaders promise free services focused on both physical and mental health.
The center, currently under development, will emphasize holistic wellness and aims to make care more accessible across the Bronx.
"This is a place where together, we will create social connections that we hope will end the stigma around seeking help," said Dr. Audrey Erazo Triviño, of the Office of Mental Health.
The 17,000-square-foot facility will offer a range of services, including a health suite, greenhouse, commercial kitchen and other wellness-focused amenities. Organizers say the space is designed to meet a wide variety of community needs.
"They should look forward to wellness their way," Erazo Triviño said. "They're going to look for a plethora of offerings that includes cultural healing, an homage to our ancestors and things like yoga. There's also an industrial kitchen where folks can come and learn how to cook and learn financial literacy."
StartCare representative Johnnel Doris said the center is intended to address longstanding challenges in the Bronx.
"We understand the challenges that we often hear about the Bronx — when it comes to health, wellness, substance use and economic insecurity," Doris said. "We're here to answer those concerns and create a space where the community can come and feel that this is their own."
Officials say the free programming is expected to be developed by the end of the year.
